Fortún Ochoiz facts for kids
Fortún Ochoiz (pronounced For-TOON Oh-CHO-eeth) was an important nobleman from the Kingdom of Navarre (a historical kingdom in what is now northern Spain). He lived from about 1013 to 1050. Fortún was a skilled diplomat and statesman, meaning he was good at dealing with other countries and managing government affairs.
He controlled a large area called La Rioja, which was a key border region. This area was once part of the Kingdom of Viguera. Fortún helped set the boundary between Navarre and the Kingdom of Castile. He also married into the royal family and fought alongside his father-in-law, King García Sánchez III, in battles to take back land from Muslim rule. This period is known as the Reconquista.
His family might have been connected to the Banu Qasi, a powerful family with Visigothic roots. Fortún's descendants continued to rule their lands for many years. The name "Ochoiz" comes from the Basque word "Ochoa" or "Oggoa," which means "wolf."
Contents
Fortún's Early Career and Lands
Fortún Ochoiz first appears in historical records in 1013. At that time, he was already ruling a region called Viguera. From 1015 to about 1024, he was the ruler (called dominator) of Meltria, an area now known as Valdemetria. His lands stretched across both sides of the Ebro River.
The lands Fortún controlled were very important. They included the fortress of Viguera, the two Cameros regions (Viejo Camero and Nuevo Camero), the valley of Arnedo, and all the villages of Cantabria. "Cantabria" here likely refers to a specific hill area near the Iregua River, where the city of Logroño is today. Fortún held this specific Cantabria region from at least 1032 to 1044. The Cameros regions included the valleys of the Iregua and Leza rivers. The Arnedo Valley was the valley of the Cidacos River.
Setting the Border with Castile
In 1016, Sancho III of Navarre and Sancho García of Castile agreed on the border between their kingdoms. Later, probably between 1028 and 1054, Fortún Ochoiz and his neighbor from Castile, Nuño Álvarez de Carazo, confirmed this border again. This confirmation focused on the border passing through the Sierra de la Demanda mountains.
This agreement is recorded in a short note found in a document from the San Millán de la Cogolla monastery. It is one of the few records we have of the 1016 border division. It's possible that Fortún and Nuño were simply confirming an old border.
The document mentions key landmarks for the border. It describes the line going from the top of the Cogolla mountain (today Pico de San Lorenzo) to the Valvanera river, then to Gramedo, and through other specific places like Peña Negra. It then follows the Razón River to its source, crosses Mount Carcaño, and reaches the Tera River. Finally, it goes to the Duero River, passing by the ancient deserted city of Garray (which was Numantia).
Marriage and Rise to Power
When Fortún first appeared in documents, he was not among the most powerful nobles. However, he became much more important during the rule of King García Sánchez III (1035–1054). This happened after he married Mencía, who was an illegitimate daughter of the king. After this marriage, Fortún Ochoiz became one of the top three most important people in the kingdom, right after the king and another nobleman named Fortún Sánchez.
Because he governed a border region, Fortún might not have been at the royal court very often before his marriage. His marriage to Mencía was either late in his life or his second marriage. Some historians think he might have been married before to a relative of García Ramírez of Viguera. This earlier marriage might have been how he gained control of the lands that García Ramírez used to rule.
In 1049, King García Sánchez III gave Fortún some properties in Nalda, Leza, and Jubera. The king said he was giving these lands "because of your good service." This "good service" likely referred to military help, possibly during the campaign to reconquer Calahorra in 1045. Fortún and Mencía were already married by this time. Their marriage, perhaps in 1044, might have brought Fortún back to the royal court, which helped with the plans for the Calahorra campaign.
Fortún Ochoiz stops appearing in records around 1050. This might mean he retired, especially as relations between the kings of Castile and Navarre became difficult. He was still ruling Viguera after 1047. When he died, he was buried in a wooden tomb with his image on it at San Prudencio de Monte Laturce. His wife Mencía was later buried next to him.
Fortún's Children
It is believed that several lords named Fortúnez (meaning "son of Fortún") who lived in the lower Rioja region were children of Fortún Ochoiz and Mencía. In 1057, Mencía, as a widow, made a donation to San Prudencio and listed her five children:
- Aznar, who inherited Cantabria.
- Íñigo, who inherited Arnedo.
- Sancho, who inherited Huarte.
- Lope, who inherited Calahorra.
- Ximeno, who inherited Cameros and Viguera.
Only Aznar is clearly called "Fortúnez" in Mencía's donation. This makes some historians wonder if the others were her stepchildren from an earlier marriage of Fortún's. Other "Fortúnez" individuals from Viguera are mentioned in documents from that time, and they might also be children from Fortún Ochoiz's earlier marriages.
Possible Banu Qasi Family Connection
Some historians believe that Fortún Ochoiz might have been related to the Banu Qasi family. This was a powerful Muslim family in Spain that had Visigothic ancestors. This idea comes from looking at the names used in the family and the places they controlled.
A Banu Qasi leader named Musa ibn Musa had two sons who ruled in the Rioja region in the late 800s. One son, Lubb ibn Musa, ruled Viguera and Arnedo. The other, Fortún ibn Musa, ruled Tudela. "Lubb" is the Arabic version of the name Lope (which means "wolf"), just like Ochoa. Both of Fortún Ochoiz's names were common in the last generation of the Banu Qasi family who ruled La Rioja.
Historical records suggest the Banu Qasi family lost power in the 920s when Navarre took control of the upper Rioja. Some members of the family, including two named Fortún, converted to Christianity. It's thought that they might have kept some independence even after recognizing the kings of Navarre as their rulers.
The lands controlled by the Banu Qasi in the 800s, the Kingdom of Viguera in the 900s, and Fortún Ochoiz in the 1000s seem to have been very similar in size. This suggests a continuous line of control over this important border region. Fortún's lands were unusually large and connected, unlike the typical small, isolated castles given to nobles. This might show that his power came from a long family history in the region, possibly linked to the Banu Qasi.
See also
In Spanish: Fortún Ochoa para niños
